This week is the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas. CES is where tech giants like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic as well as cutting edge tech startups show case their most innovative consumer technology. From the newest VR tech to the most cutting edge smart home devices, CES showcases everything from smartphones to internet connected washing machines. Of the amazing things I’ve seen come out of CES so far, one caught my eye that is particularly relevant to parents.

Every kid wants his or her own computer, but as a parent you have to think twice about buying your 7 year old an expensive computer that he or she might drop, step on, or spill liquid on. Acer announced at CES their Chromebook 11 N7 which will be available next month. The N7 is built to US military standards and can withstand spills, drops, and even 132 lbs of downward force on the top cover, meaning that your son or daughter can put this chromebook through the ringer and have it comes nearly unscathed on the other side!

Chromebooks are not for everyone and keep in mind that Minecraft doesn’t run on one, but we use Chromebooks regularly at The DAE because nearly all of the software teach is web based. Photo editing, 3D printing, computer programming and more can all be done with free web based software so Chromebooks are not as limiting as they used to be, not to mention all the standard computer functions like email, word processing and slideshow presentations come set up from the factory. As long as not being able to run Minecraft isn’t a deal breaker, the Acer N7 might be a great choice for your son or daughter, particularly because it will retail for $229.